CHAPTERONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

In every profession of human endeavor, there exists ethical codes and standards

that guides such profession which at times could be different from the general

ethical principles that guides human behavior in the society. As there are ethical

codes guiding the operations of practitioners in other fields of human endeavor, so

also the field of journalism is not left out of ethical codes and standards guiding

professionals on the field. Though there are various branches of the profession

which as well could not be jettisoned or described as unimportant, this study is

narrowed down to the broadcast aspect.

Despite the fact that there are well outlined and well spelt out codes of professional

standard for practitioners in the field of journalism, there has been outcries over the

years that so called professionals operating in the field had failed to leave up to the

standards as stipulated by the code of professional practice as mandated by the

National Broadcasting Commission. This is why Alemoh (2021) in Santas and

Ezekiel (2019) asserts that “In Nigeria today, as it is else wherein the world,

violation of the ethics of journalism has almost become the rule, rather than an

exception.”

The menace of unprofessionalism over the years has been ravaging the field of

journalism. Lot of journalists both in the print and broadcast media often violates

the ethics of the profession. Having discovered over the years the various flaws in

the profession, this study is aimed at identifying there alcause of these flaws and

violations especially among the broadcast journalists in Bauchi State.

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Broadcasting as an aspect in the field of journalism comes with various levels of

technicality, complexity, sensibility and should be handled as such. The unique

characteristics of broadcasting underlines the reason why a body has been set up to

monitor activities of the industry in the country known as the National

Broadcasting Commission (NBC), established to

ensureandenforceadherencetothecodeofethicalstandardsguidingprofessionalsinthein

dustry.

Established by section 1 of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap.N11

of the federation2004, the National Broadcasting Commission, a parastatal of the

Federal Government is vested with the responsibility of amongst other things,

overseeing the activities of broadcast medium in Nigeria.

There seems to be some level of serenity in the field of journalism prior to the

introduction of the deregulation and privatization policy of the media as a result of

the fact that before this time, power to establish and manage a media organization

was fully vested into the hands of federal and state government until the

promulgation of the decree No 38 of 1992 during the administration of the then

military head of state, General Gbadamosi Babangida which facilitated the

deregulation and privatization of the media industry which now vested the power

to establish and manage media organization in to the hands of private individuals.

As a result of this deregulation, the government, according to Ezeigbo (2004) was

of the position that “even though it had extensive and adequate facilities to control

and regulate broadcasting, the nature of the operations of broadcasting was better

handled by a separate agency than leaving it to the Ministry of Information or other

agencies”. The federal government through the ministry of information before the

privatization policy has what it takes to oversee the industry, the nature of its

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operation after the deregulation makes it extremely difficult for the ministry to

continue its monitoring of the industry, hence the need for the establishment of the

National Broadcasting Commission.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Broadcasters are largely being accused in several cases of unprofessional and

unethical misconduct over the years in course of their practices. Cases of

unregulated, political programmes and other unethical commercials, violation of

human rights, interference of politicians in enforcing programmes, unbalanced

reporting, inciting crimes and serious misdemeanors and much more have filled the

air waves. The broadcast media in specific seem to have derailed from enlightening

the public because of monetization of their services, fraud, and endless promotion

of self has been the habit of most of the broadcast stations in Nigeria.

Broadcast stations are always accused of violation of what is called “standards of

broadcasting” and the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission is thought to be weak in

calling them to order. A contemporary example was the recent “Endsars” protest in

Nigeria, where AIT, Channels and Arise News television were said to have

violated the law provision of the NBC which compels a broadcast organization to

transmit verified information.

Also on April 10, 2011, the Nigeria Broadcasting commission sanctioned Radio

Rivers and other stations for allegedly violating the NBC code on electoral Act for

airing political jingles 24 hours before elections. That apart, one can observe

religious programmes, where some pastors attack other pastor’s religious style and

where religious programmes are more of the content of broadcast stations thereby

flouting some sections of the NBC code.

In August 2016, the State Government in Bauchi revoked the Right of Occupancy

3
to a land belonging to DAAR Communication due to “overriding public interest.”

In May 2019, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had revoked the

operating licenses of DAAR Communications after claiming that the company had

breached Nigeria’s broadcast code. DAAR Communication PLC would sue the

NBC over the issue.

These broadcasting situations are the motivation for this study and prompted the

researcher to investigate five broadcast stations (two television and three radio

stations) in Bauchi, Bauchi State which will now become the focus of this study.

The crux of this study by implication revolves around the need to ascertain, to what

extent select broadcast stations in Bauchi state comply with the enforcement of the

Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The study generally aim at examine the role of National Broadcasting

Commission (NBC) in enhancing journalism ethics among Broadcast stations

in Bauchi State while the specific objectives are:

i. To determine the level of exposure of broadcast journalists in Bauchi State

to the approved media ethics of the National Broadcasting Commission.

ii. To examine the extent at which broadcast journalists in Bauchi State

adhere to the approved media code of the National Broadcasting

Commission.

iii. To determine the extent at which adherence to NBC's media code has

affected the operations of journalists in Bauchi State.

iv. To determine the extent at which NBC has been playing its roles in

enforcing media ethics among broadcast journalists in Bauchi State.

1.4 Research Questions

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i. How exposed are broadcast journalists in Bauchi State to the approved

media code of the National Broadcasting Commission?

ii. To what extent do broadcast journalists adhere to the media code approved

by NBC?

iii. To what extent has adherence to NBC's media code affected the operations

of broadcast journalists in Bauchi State?

iv. To what extent has NBC been playing its roles in enforcing media ethics

among broadcast journalists in Bauchi State?

1.5 Significant of the Study

The study findings and recommendations will give directions to Government and

media organizations on the role of NBC in enhancing journalism ethics among

broadcast stations. The study will give an insight on how to improve adherence to

journalism ethics. The study will add to the body of knowledge and serve as a

reference material to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focus on examine the role of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)

in enhancing journalism ethics among Broadcast stations in Bauchi State. The

study also focus on determine the level of exposure of broadcast journalists to the

approved media ethics of the National Broadcasting Commission, examine the

extent at which broadcast journalists in Bauchi State adhere to the approved media

code of the National Broadcasting Commission, determine the extent at which

adherence to NBC's media code has affected the operations of journalists and

determine the extent at which NBC has been playing its roles in enforcing media

ethics among broadcast journalists in Bauchi State.

The study will cover staff of NBC Bauchi state, The study will cover private and

5
public media stations at the state and national Level with full operations in Bauchi

state. two television stations which includes Nigerian Television Authority and

BA TV. Three radio station which are: Bauchi, Globe F.M Bauchi, Bauchi radio

corporation (BRC) and Albarka Radio Bauchi.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

National Broadcasting Commission is the broadcast regulator of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria. The commission was set up on August 24, 1992, by Decree

38 of 1992 later amended as an act of the National Assembly by Act 55 of 1999

and now known as National Broadcasting Commission Laws of the Federation

2004, CAP N11 to among other responsibilities, regulate and control the

broadcasting industry in Nigeria.

Journalism or news writing is a prose style used for reporting in newspapers,

radio, and television.

Journalist is a person who gathers information in the form of text, audio or

pictures, processes it into a newsworthy form and disseminates it to the public.

Journalistic ethics and standards comprise principles of ethics and good practice

applicable to journalists. This subset of media ethics is known as journalism's

professional "code of ethics" and the "canons of journalism". The basic codes and

canons commonly appear in statements by professional journalism associations

and individual print, broadcast, and online news organizations.

Broadcast Station means physical, technical and software infrastructure for the

operation of radio or television and also includes satellite up-linking from ground,

repeaters and all such other accessories

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This Chapter reviewed both theoretical and empirical literature review, critic the

literature, gave its summary and conclusions, identified research gaps of the study

and finally outlined the conceptual framework. The literature material sources were

from text books, thesis, dissertations, scholarly journals, government reports,

conference papers etc.

2.2 Conceptual Review

In many professions of human endeavour, there exist ethical codes and standards that

guide the activities of professionals within such field, which could be different from the

general ethical principles guiding human behaviours generally in the society. Such

codes of ethics are known to exist in the field of medicine, law, engineering, teaching

and many other professions. Similarly, the field of journalism is not left out as there are

dozens of codes of ethics prescribed by the press and their regulatory agencies to

safeguard media professionals from committing any offence against the society it

claims to serve. Akintayo and Ekeh (2020) noted that media ethics helps professionals

within the industry to set standard of moral context regarding what is avertable and

unacceptable in the performance of their duties of gathering, processing, and

dissemination of a wide variety of messages designed to enlighten and entertain

members of the society. Ethics in media practice relates to specific ethical principles

and standards of media practice including broadcast and print, film, theatre, art and

internet (Chigbu, 2016). Media ethics describes the proper modes of behaviour to

which all branches of modern media should adhere strictly to (Akintayo & Ekeh, 2020).

The fact that no organized society in the world exists without laws and principles

7
guiding the conduct of its citizenry implies that journalism, better known as the Fourth

Estate of the Realm cannot be left to function without order. Suffice to state that in the

absence of law and order, there will be chaos and anarchy.

Communications and specifically broadcasting are integral part of the oil that lubricates

the smooth functioning of the societal wheel and should do well with some form of

regulation. Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution gave the Federal Government powers to

regulate and oversee the functioning of the various platforms of information sourcing

and dissemination. However, Section 32 of the Nigerian Constitution deals with the

right of access to information and provides that everyone has the right of access to

information that is held by the state as well as any information that is held by another

person or organisation that is required for the protection of rights of the citizenry.

Ethics in the is believed to have derived its foundation from the 1947 Hutchins

Commission on freedom of the press which is acclaimed to have created the basic

structure for proper ethical leaning for media practice across the globe. The commission

postulated five basic requirements for best practices in the media:

i. The media should provide a truthful, comprehensive and intelligent account of

the day’s event in a context which gives them meaning;

ii. The media should serve as a forum for the exchange of comments and criticism;

iii. The media should project a representative picture of the constituent groups in

the society;

iv. The media should present and clarify the goals and values of the society;

v. The media should provide full access to the day’s intelligence (The Commission

on Freedom of the Press, 1947).

Since then, international and regional organizations of professionals in media

practice together with local authorities have formulated codes of ethic to guide

8
the activities of the press with many towing the path of the Hutchins

Commission. At the international scene, the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have been at the fore of

bringing together different bodies of media professionals for consultations in an

attempt to foster positive media contributions to society since 1978. The

UNESCO declaration on the instrumentality of mass media in strengthening

peace and international understanding, promoting human right and countering

racism, apartheid and incitement of wars are examples of offshoots from such

consultative meetings. Media organizations that have participated in UNESCO’s

consultative meetings include the International Organization of Journalists

(IOJ), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International Catholic Union

of the Press (ICUP), Latin American Federation of Journalists (FELAP), Latin

American Federation of Press Workers (FELATRAP), Federation of Arab

Journalists (FAJ), Union of African Journalists (UAJ) and Confederation of

Asian Journalists (CAJ). Principles of professional ethics in media practice

outlined during such consultative meetings have formed the common ground

from where national and regional codes of ethics are drawn and promoted

independently by each professional organization through ways most suitable to

its members (Akintayo & Ekeh, 2020).

In view of provision in Section 36 Nigerian Constitution (1999), the control of

media broadcast/print in Nigeria in terms of policy, laws, regulations and ethics

is vested in the Federal Government of Nigeria, despite that professional groups

such as the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

and the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) among others

have their codes of ethics to which members are subject. For many years, focus

9
was on print media being that media practice in Nigeria began with print. With

the advent of broadcast media many years later and to cub government’s

domination of its operation and control, individuals and groups agitated for the

right to establish private broadcast stations in response to plurality of the

broadcast media as practiced in the liberal democracies of the world. This

resulted in the deregulation of the sector and the establishment of the National

Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in 1992. Ese (2019) posited that the need to

provide effective guidelines for the operations of private broadcast stations led

to the establishment of the NBC, and that the rationale behind the commission’s

establishment was to regulate broadcast contents in Nigeria. It is in line with

this development that the Federal Government, through the agency of the

National Broadcasting Commission, regulates the contents of the various

broadcast media organisations (both government and privately owned), to

forestall stations undermining the interest and security of the nation through

broadcast contents. Broadcasting, due to its delicate, spontaneous and

ubiquitous nature, demonstrates awesome power in shaping society and has

been described in varied terms. In economic terms, broadcasting serves as a

compass that helps in indicating the fluctuations in stocks, shares and other

indices. In social life, it is a veritable instrument for shaping social and family

values across generations. In politics, it remains a sine qua non in conveying

messages to and from voters and a vehicle of agenda legitimization, sometimes

of outright campaign by nations (Creech, 2023).

Consequently, frequencies which all broadcast stations use to convey messages

are, therefore, closely and scrupulously monitored and regulated in public

interest (Bako, 2022). Among the different media of mass communication, the

10
broadcast media have always been a source of worry to governments. One

major reason for government’s control of broadcasting is based on the fact that

air waves (electromagnetic spectrum) are a scarce public resource. In line with

the Act establishing the NBC, Ihechu and Okugo (2023), and Idachaba (2020)

averred that NBC regulatory functions are in line with the implementation of the

National Mass Communication Policy, which covers national motivation,

mobilization and the attainment of national or public interests. This implies that

broadcasting in Nigeria should influence societal values positively; and in so

doing improve and strengthen the social, cultural, economic, political and

technological values of the nation and set agenda for public good.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi of India “the Press is a great power but, just as

an unchained torrent submerges the whole countryside and devastates crops, an

uncontrolled broadcast serves but to destroy. It can be more profitable when

control is exercised from within the profession”. Therefore, for the broadcast

media to remain relevant in the lives of Nigerians, it needs to be regulated in

some way for the benefit of the generality of the public. Broadcasting genre

with its sensitive nature and spread remains a powerful organ of mass

communication. It is also dependent on electromagnetic spectrum, which is a

natural resource belonging to the public. Therefore, governments all over the

world have shown diverse interests in broadcasting because of the existence of

this vital ingredient. There is a universal acceptance that the airwaves formed

within the airspace above the territorial boundaries of any nation are the

property of that country. Therefore, government and other designated agencies

are charged with regulating the airwaves so as to ensure that they benefit the

nation as a whole now and in the future.

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Thus, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) by virtue of Decree 38 of

1992 was empowered to take full responsibility of licensing broadcast stations,

allocating airwaves to licensees and regulating contents. Others include to give

or deny approval for transmitter power, locations of stations areas of coverage

and to regulate types of broadcast equipment to be used. To enable the

commission carry out its regulatory functions effectively, the body among other

devices published a code of ethics guiding the operations of broadcast media

professionals in the country. The extents to which these codes and other extant

laws guiding the profession have been adhered to by broadcast media

organizations in the country in recent times remain unclear. Records show that

since 2015, many media organizations particularly in the broadcast industry

have run afoul of laws guiding the conduct, practice and operation of the

broadcast industry; some of those organizations have come under the sledge

hammer of the government, though, some in controversial circumstances.

Despite the mission of NBC to evolve defined standards in all aspects of

broadcasting, to effectively license, monitor, and regulate an environment that

encourages investment and development of quality programming and

technology for a viable industry that competes favourably in the global

information economy, it is believed in certain quarters that the broadcast media

have failed to comply with the spirit and letters of the NBC code in terms of

programming. NBC however, seems to be helpless in arresting broadcasting

situations in the country despite being empowered to do; the agency cannot be

everywhere all the time. Unregulated political programs and other unethical

commercials, violations of human rights, political influence in broadcasting

stations, unbalanced reporting, incitement to crimes and major misdemeanors,

12
 biased reporting, and much more have resultantly flooded the Nigerian airwaves

at the detriment of the listening public.

Some years back, Idemudia (2008) had suggested that mass media, being a part

of society have been polluted by the prevailing societal ills, such as corruption,

bribery and grafts; and that broadcast media stations, specifically, have derailed

from enlightening the public because of monetization of their services. This has

been seen in recent times whereby skewed political advertisements, excessive

religious programmes, advertisement of unwholesome products such as

traditional medicines with unverified claims, broadcasting of morally degrading

reality TV contents and lots more dominate the country’s airwaves while the

NBC tend to look away. Furthermore, the ubiquity of the internet and

associative social networking platforms have heightened Yellow Journalism,

described as unethical and irresponsible brand of journalism given to hoaxes,

altered photographs, screaming headline, scoops, fraud, and endless promotion

of self (Malam &Rabilu, 2021), among journalists in Nigeria. With no section

of broadcast journalists spared of the current wave of unethical media content

ravaging the countries news landscape.

2.2.1 The National Broadcasting Code

In an attempt to lay down rules, set standards in broadcasting that will meet the

economic scientific, sociological, political, religious and even the ethnic tastes,

needs and desires of Nigerians, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)

established a broadcasting code. This is in fulfillment of section 2(i) (h) of NBC

act. No. 38 of 2022 which empowers the commission to establish and disseminate a

national broadcasting code and set standards with regards to the content and quality

of material for broadcast.

13
 The code serves as a minimum standard to be observed by all operators of radio

and television satellite redistribution services in Nigeria. The aim of the code is to

ensure that broadcasters in Nigeria are essentially Nigerians, thereby projecting the

best and discouraging the worst in the society. On this account the Nigeria

broadcasting code (2006) posits that:

The cardinal responsibility of broadcasting is to inform, educate and entertain shall

not be at the expense of national interest, unity and cohesion of Nigeria’s diverse

social, cultural, economic, political and religious configurations.

The code is a product of the gathering of all stakeholders, broadcasters, producers,

broadcast journalists, engineers, the youths and students. This is to ensure that the

Nigeria broadcasting code is current, and acceptable to all stakeholders in a deregulated

broadcasting environment".

Chapter one of Nigeria broadcasting code (4thed) provides the rules and procedures of

developing and enhancing professionalism in Nigeria broadcasting industry. According

to Nigeria broadcasting code (2006), the principle of the code establishes the following:

(a) The aims and objectives of broadcasting, as well as the rules to uphold them in

Nigeria. The purpose is to guide broadcasters in applying the rules and assisting the

public to uphold them as the benchmark for their “..right to quality broadcasting”. It is

important to broadcasters in particular and the public in general to be conversant with

its provisions.

Code may be issued by presidential decrees, legislative actions, or by religious

prescriptions within a given society. It may administer directly by government, as it

was in Nigeria in 1992. it could also be through statutory agencies that enjoys some

degree of independence from government. Nonetheless, this is exemplified by National

Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and other regulatory bodies. The concept of code

14
involves the issuance of permission, that is, the granting of license is dependent on the

norms of the society and also contributes to the shaping of these norms which have

important impact on the content of the programme '' ., thereby, affecting the structures

and management of broadcasting industry, and would expose its impact on the activities

of broadcasting in Nigeria.

2.2.2 Enforcement and Compliance to Code

The promulgation of NBC Decree (Act) No. 38, of 1992 and subsequent NBC

(amendment) decree (Act) No. 55 of 1999 vested on the commission the authority to

consider all application for grant of broadcast license in Nigeria whether a body,

corporate body, federal, state or local government. The national broadcasting

commission (NBC) comprises of a broad group of individuals entrusted with the role to

control and regulate broadcasting in Nigeria. To enable the commission effectively

perform its roles, section 2(1) of the Act No. 38 of 1992 listed the following as the

powers vested in the commission:

(a) Advising the federal military government generally on the implementation of

the national mass communication policy with particular reference to broadcasting.

(b) Receiving, processing and considering application for the ownership of radio

and television stations including cable television services, direct satellite broadcast and

any other medium of broadcasting.

(c) Recommending application through the minister to the president, commander-

in- chief of the armed forces for the grant of radio and television license.

(d) Regulating and controlling the broadcast industry.

(e) Undertaking research and development in the broadcast industry.

(f) Receiving, considering and investigating complaints from individuals, and

bodies, corporate or incorporate regarding the contents of a broadcast and the conduct

15
of a broadcasting station.

(g) Upholding the principles of equity and fairness in broadcasting

(h) Establishing and disseminating a national broadcasting code and setting

standards with regards to the contents and quality of materials for broadcast.

(i) Promoting Nigerian indigenous culture, moral and community life through

broadcasting

(j) Promoting authenticated radio and television audience measurement and

penetration

(k) Initiating and harmonizing government policies on trans-border direct

transmission and reception in Nigeria.

(l) Monitoring broadcasting for harmful emission, interference and illegal

broadcasting

(m) Determining and applying sanctions including revocation of license of

defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast code and in

the public interest.

(n) Approving the transmitter power, the location of station areas of coverage as

well as regulate types of broadcast equipment to be used.

(0) Carrying out such other activities as are necessary or expedient for the full

discharge of all or any of the functions conferred on it under or pursuant to this decree.

2.2.3 The National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC) in Nigeria

The NBC is the Nigerian broadcast regulatory authority, set up in 1992 by the Ibrahim

Babangida’s administration as the first success story of broadcast media deregulation.

The essence of deregulation of the broadcasting media was aptly couched in the words

of Ihechu (2019) who noted that deregulation took its root in the overall policy of

Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), of the military regime in the late 80’s to early

16
90s. The policy known as SAP, did not work in isolation as the political class needed

more avenues to ventilate their views and mobilise support for their organizations just

as advertisers clamoured for widening of the ownership base of broadcasting against

background of the asphyxiating hold of the federal and states governments on

broadcasting. The pioneering Director-General was Dr. Tom Adaba, while Bright

Igbako was the Secretary. There were 12 board members drawn from the media,

academics, law, business and the Ministry of Information. The first board members

were: Mr. Peter Enahoro, Veteran Journalist, as Chairman, Dr. Tom Adaba, Veteran

Broadcaster, Director General, Dr. DotunOkunbanjo, businessman and public

commentator, Alhaji Shehu Usman Ka’oje, a senior public official from the National

Orientation Agency, T .J. O. Okpoko, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former President

Nigeria Bar Association, Mr. Ede Dafinione, Chartered Accountant, Mrs. Modupe

Adeogun a retired University Administrator, Professor Elo Amucheazi, a political

scientist from University of Nigeria Nsukka, Mr Ralph Opara, Veteran radio

broadcaster, Chief Akin Odunsi, Rosabel Advertising, Alhaji Sani Kontagora, a

publisher, Alhaji Sidi Ali, Journalist, politician and businessman and a representative of

the Ministry of Information.

The administrative structure of the commission covers, the board, the director-general,

board of management and expanded board of management. The Director-General

appointed in 2016 is Mallam Ishaq Modibo Kawu, a former member of the board of the

commission. For administrative convenience, there are 10 zonal offices located in

Abuja, Jos, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Ibadan, Lagos, Benin, and Uyo to

handle the statutory responsibilities of the commission on the ever-increasing broadcast

media in Nigeria. Each of the zones has a zonal director. According to the NBC website

(2017), the commission’s administrative set up is now divided into eleven departments

17
and three units, namely, Directorate of Monitoring, Finance and Accounts,

Engineering/Technology, Human Resources Management, Broadcast Policy Research,

Investigation and Enforcement. Other directorates are Secretary to the Commission,

Office of the Director General–Public Affairs, Director-General Office and Internal

Audit Department. The three units within the Director General’s office were, Public

Procurement, Servicom, Anti–Corruption and Transparency. Three directorates,

Monitoring, Broadcast Policy and Research as well as Investigation and Enforcement

were germane to this study.

2.2.4 Statutory Role of NBC

In line with the act establishing the NBC, Idachaba (2015), Ihechu and Okugo (2013),

averred that NBC regulatory functions are in line with the implementation of the

National Mass Communication policy, which covers national motivation, mobilization

and the attainment of national or public interests. The National Broadcasting

Commission came into existence by virtue of Decree 38 of 1992 which mandated the

NBC to control the entire broadcast industry. The decree ended the era of government

sole ownership of broadcasting and opened the industry to private participation.

Deregulation of broadcast industry simply means removal of government monopoly

over ownership and operation of electronic media. By deregulation, therefore,

government, groups and individuals are free to own and operate broadcast stations with

the government providing the legal framework guiding the activities of the broadcast

stations.

It is the need to provide effective guidelines for the operation of private broadcast

stations that led to the establishment of NBC. The rationale behind the establishment of

the commission, therefore, was to regulate broadcast contents in Nigeria. This

regulation was viewed to be necessary considering of the fear that some unscrupulous

18
private owners of broadcast stations may be tempted to use their stations to undermine

the interest and security of the nation if not properly checked. The National

Broadcasting Commission Decree Number 38 of 1992 empowered the Commission to

take full responsibility of licensing broadcasting stations, allocating airwaves to the

licensees, and regulating broadcast contents in terms of ratio of local and foreign

contents. Section 2(1) of the Decree clearly defines the powers of the commission as:

The commission shall have responsibility of:

1. Advising the Federal Military Government generally on the implementation of

the National Mass Communication Policy with particular reference to broadcasting;

2. Receiving, processing and considering applications for ownership of radio and

television stations including cable television services, direct satellite broadcasting and

any other medium of broadcasting;

3. Recommending applications through the Minister to the President,

Commander-in- chief of the armed forces for the grant of radio and television licenses;

4. Regulating and controlling the broadcasting industry;

5. Understanding research and development in the broadcasting industry;

6. Receiving and investigating complaints from individuals and bodies of

corporate and incorporate organizations regarding the contents of a broadcasting

stations;

7. Upholding the principles of equity and fairness in broadcasting;

8. Establishing and disseminating a national broadcasting code and setting

standard with regard to the contents and quality of materials for broadcast;

9. Promoting Nigerian indigenous culture, moral and community life through

broadcasting;

10. Promoting authenticated radio and television audience measurement and

19
penetration;

11. Initiating and harmonizing government policies on trans-border direct

transmission and reception in Nigeria;

12. Regulating ethical standard and technical excellence in public, private and

commercial broadcast stations in Nigeria;

13. Monitoring broadcasts for harmful emission, interferences and illegal

broadcasting;

14. Determining and applying sanctions including revocation of licenses of

defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast code and in

the interest of the nation;

15. Approving the transmitter power, the locations of stations, area of coverage as

well as regulate types of broadcast equipment to be used; and carrying out such other

activities as are necessary or expedient for the full discharge of all or any of its

mandate.

2.2.5 Journalists’ awareness of National Broadcasting Commission’s Code of

Ethics

Awareness is defined as a period where an individual acquires information about the

existence of a phenomenon, but possesses little or no understanding about it (Daberkow

& McBride, 2023). Most people become aware of discoveries through various

communication channels in the media. Awareness of a phenomenon can be influenced

by individual characteristics, socio-economic aspects and access to awareness channels

such as communication media (Straub, 2019). The extent of journalists’ awareness of

NBC’s Code of Ethics could determine its level of compliance among them.

Enlightenment campaigns therefore, becomes an effective strategy that can be used in

raising journalists awareness about the existence of broadcasting code of ethics in order

20
to foster compliance to the code among them. It may be counterproductive to expect

that they will comply with a code they are not aware of. Awareness for NBC code of

ethics can be promoted among journalists be adoption one or a combination of print,

broadcast and electronic media. Print is one of the oldest and basic forms of

communication. It includes newspapers, magazines, booklets and other forms of printed

journals. Among mass media primarily used for information dissemination and

awareness creation, print is no less important due to a number of characteristics like

durability, extensive and intensive coverage, low cost and choice of contents

(Farooque, 2019).

Broadcast media is primarily radio and television. Even amidst internet pop-culture

dominance, broadcast media still commands a strong attention in terms of awareness

creation. Not only are radio and television the main media for awareness creation and

other forms of information dissemination, they are continually developing new ways to

reach a larger heterogeneous audience. Kuewumi (2019) defined broadcasting as the

planned provision of information, education and entertainment to a large heterogeneous

audience through two major media of mass communication which are radio and

television. According to Onabajo (2000), broadcast audiences are able to access

messages on radio and television through their receivers which help in decoding such

information.

Social media is the term often used to refer to new forms of media that involve

interactive participation. Often the development of media is divided into two different

ages, the broadcast age and the interactive age. In the broadcast age, media were almost

exclusively centralized where one entity—such as a radio or television station,

newspaper company, or a movie production studio—distributed messages to many

people. Feedback to media outlets was often indirect, delayed, and impersonal

21
(Manning, 2019). Wright and Webb (2021) stated that the rise of digital and mobile

technologies made interaction on a large scale to become easier for individuals than

ever before; and as such, a new media age was born where interactivity was placed at

the centre of new media functions. One individual could now speak to many, and

instant feedback is a possibility. Citizens and consumers who before now had limited

and somewhat muted voices, now could share their opinions with many. The low cost

and accessibility of new technologies also allowed more options for media consumption

than ever before – and so instead of only a few news outlets, individuals now have the

ability to seek information from several sources and to dialogue with others via diverse

messages fora about the information posted (Manning, 2019). At the core of this

ongoing revolution is social media with its diverse characteristics, forms and functions.

The ubiquity of electronic devises such Smartphones, iPads, Tablets, PCs and Palmtops

have made social media an all comers affair. Nearly every adult in the society today has

a form of online presence or another. This has made information sharing and awareness

creation on social media very effective. Social media can be employed by NBC in

bringing awareness of their codes of ethics to journalists, as well as in educating them

on the need for compliance.

2.3 Theoretical Review

Four communication theories are reviewed to form the framework upon which this

work was based, they are:

i. Social Responsibility Media Theory

ii. Deontological theory of ethics

iii. Gate keeping Theory

2.3.1 Social Responsibility Media Theory

This is one of the normative media theories by Siebert, Peterson and Schramm (1963),

22
postulates that media has an obligation to elevate society’s standards, providing citizens

with information they need to govern themselves. The origin of this theory was linked

to the 1947 Hutchins Commission on Freedom of the press. Social responsibility theory

advocates for a free press without any form of government censorship but at the same

time suggests that press contents be discussed in public panels and that media should

accept any obligation from public interference or professional self-regulations or both.

The theory lies between both authoritarian and libertarian line of thoughts because it

gives total media freedom on one hand but advocates internal controls on the other.

Here, the press ownership is private and the media have an obligation to the public that

amounts to a form of public stewardship. The theory moves beyond the simple

“objective” reporting to “interpretative” reporting. It links with the democratic process

and the media are guardians of that process, vigilant on behalf of the citizens, with a

duty to be honest and fair to all. Social responsibility theory balances the clamour for

freedom with the advocacy for responsibility. It urges that in public interest, and in the

interest of true representation, both sides of a case should be stated. Social

responsibility theory appealed to the idealism of individual media practitioners and

tried to unite them in service of cultural pluralism. It encouraged them to see

themselves as front-line participants in the battle to preserve democracy in a world

drifting inexorably towards totalitarianism. Anaeto, Onabajo and Osifeso (2008)

highlighted four basic assumptions of this theory as follows:

(a) That media should accept and fulfill certain obligations to the society. That

through professional standards of informativeness, truth, accuracy, objectivity and

balance, these obligations can be met.

(b) That media should regulate itself within the framework of law and established

institutions to be able to carry out its responsibilities. That whatever might lead to

23
crime, violence, civil disorder or offence to minority groups should be avoided by the

media.

(c) That the media should reflect society’s plurality, give access to diverse views

and grant everyone the right to reply. Based on the principle that the society has the

right to expect high standards of performance from the media, government intervention

can be done in public good. That Accountability or media professionals should be to the

society.

d) That freedom comes with its own responsibilities; ownership of the media cuts

across businessmen, government and media professionals.

Historically, the social responsibility theory was rooted in the hutchies Commission

Report on free and Responsible press of 1947. The deviation of the press from the

libertarian principle and the “free market place of ideas” as advocated in the writings of

John Locke, John Stuart Mill, John Milton and Thomas Jefferson, to in responsible and

yellow journalism necessitated the establishment of Hutchins Commission in 1947 by

the founder of Time Magazine, Henry Luce.According to the commission, newspapers

should redefine themselves along the following lines:

1. A way of reaching every member of the society by the currents of information,

though and feelings which the press supplies.

2. A forum for exchange of comments and criticisms

3. A truthful, comprehensive account of the day’s events in a context which

gives them meaning.

4. A means of projecting the opinions and attitudes of the groups in a society to

one another.

The social responsibility theory upholds that freedom carries concomitant obligation.

Jawaharlul, cited in (Hasan, 2023) further buttress the fact that “there are no such thing

24
as absolute freedom, freedom is always accompanied by responsibility”. Freedom

always entails an obligation, whether it is nation’s freedom or individual freedom or a

group freedom or the freedom of the press. As a result, the media should be responsible

to society and realize that they have certain obligations to the public. In this regard, the

media should reflect all shades of opinion to enable the listeners and viewers reach

rational decisions.

As the name implies, the social responsibility theory in the field of communication

dictates the social obligations, duties and responsibilities of journalists in a democratic

society. It encourages free press without any censorship. Daramola (2022) aptly

described this theory “as a child of the industrial revolution.” The theory which was

propounded as a result of the shortcomings of the libertarian theory of the press

however emphasizes the social responsibility of persons and group of persons in the

media industry.

The origin of the theory according to Daramola (2022) could be traced to the Hutching

Commission of the freedom of the press (1947). Daramola posited further that “the

industrial revolution and the emerging multimedia society provided the enabling

environment for the development of a theory that is based on assumption that while the

press should be free, it must nonetheless be responsible.”

The social responsibility theory has the following as its functions according to Siebert

et.al as cited in Tokunbo (2022):

To serve the political system by making information, discussion and consideration of

public affairs generally accessible.

To inform the public to enable it to take self-determined action.

To protect the rights of the individual by acting as watchdog over the government.

To serve the economic system, for instance the bringing together of buyers and sellers

25
through the medium of advertising.

To provide good entertainment, whatever “good” may mean in the culture at any point

in time.

To preserve financial autonomy in order not to become dependent on special interests

and influences.

The rationale for using this theory as the second underlining theory for this research

work is justified by the later part of the first point made by Tokunbo where he says “…

information, discussion and consideration of public affairs should be made generally

accessible”. This point is as well in coincidence with the standard set by monitoring

agencies of the media both for the print and broadcast medium respectively.

This theory was adopted for the study because its tenant is in synergy with the study

under consideration. A journalist that is guided with the dictate of the Social

Responsibility theory could be said to as well be in obedience to the codes of

professional standard as mandated by the National Broadcasting Commission.

2.3.2 Deontological Theory of Ethics

Deontological theory of ethics focuses on the rightness or wrongness of action as

opposed to rightness or wrongness of consequences of an action. The term

deontological theories originated in a book called ''Five Types of Ethical Theories'',

published in 1930 and authored by Broad (1887-1971). The theory is usually referred to

as duty or requirement based theory. The scholars of this theory is of several schools of

thought,some are of them are called 'Absolutists who believed whatever is wrong is

wrong no matter the direction from which we look at it and irrespective of the

implication of such action. Deontologists believe that people are dutifully bound to act

in an upright manner. They must respect rules and regulations not just because of the

consequence of their actions. However, the various views on deontological theory of

26
ethics, one unified factor of them all is the fact that wrong doing should be despise and

should be totally resisted by media organizations and practitioners.

2.3.3 Gate Keeping Theory

Gate keeping in the field of communication implies the process through which

information is filtered for dissemination, either for publication in the print, broadcast

media, the internet, or some other means of information dissemination.

Pamela Shoemaker and Tim Vos (2009) defines it “as the process of culling and

crafting countless bits of information into the limited number of messages that reach the

public every day and it is the center of the media’s role in every life. This process

determines not only which information is selected, but also what the content and nature

of the messages, such as news will be.”

Kurt Lewin as the proponent of the theory identified in his 1943 article the following as

parts of the gate keeping process:

Information moves step by step through channels. The number of channels varies and

the number of time in each channel may vary as well.

Information must pass a “gate” to move from one channel to the next…

Forces govern channels. There may be opposing psychological forces causing conflict

which creates resistance to movement through the channel.

There may be several channels that lead to the same end result

Different actors may control the channels and act as gate keeper at different times.

(http://en.m.wikipedia.org).

The last aspect of the gate keeping process justifies the reason why this theory is chosen

to underlie this study. The central idea behind the theory is the relationship meant to

exist between the manners in which broadcast content are being relayed in accordance

with the standard as put in place by NBC as it is not an understatement to state that the

27
National Broadcasting Commission by its statutory responsibility could as well be

regarded as gatekeepers for broadcast content. The commission is to vet some of the

content and where the need be, the contents are being edited to suit the standard of the

of the journalism ethics.

2.4 Empirical Review

Ezeigbo and Maryan (2024) in their study on Critical Appraisal of the Role of (NBC) in

Controlling the Performance of the Broadcast Industry in Nigeria, considers the level of

compliance of the various broadcast stations with NBC code of conduct and to know if

the government under the administration of General Gbadamosi Babangida was

justified in its decision to deregulate the media industry.

With the objective of examining the level of adherence of broadcast stations to the

existing broadcasting codes, the scholars appraise the various strategies applied by

NBC in keeping the broadcast industry under constant check.

The research finding indicates that programs portrayed by broadcast stations are yet to

meet the demands of the populace according to the social norms and values inherent

among the audience. The study also discovered that excessive advertisements have

taken the place of important/interesting programs on the radio/television stations among

other things as against the stipulation of the National Broadcasting Commission as

clearly spelt out in the broadcasting code. The researcher however did not consider the

level of respondents’ (broadcast journalists) exposure to the approved broadcasting

code. It also did not consider to what extent could advert messages

be said to be in excess according to the broadcasting code, perhaps that is why their

programs could not meet the demands of the populace.

Moreover, the work of Santas and Ezekiel (2019) on “An Investigation of Media

Practitioners’ Adherence to Professional Ethics in Minna, Nigeria” was carried out as a

28
result of the recurrent problems that have continued to plague the media industry

globally over the incessant breaching of the canons of the profession by players in the

media industry.

Though these problems vary from one society to the other as orchestrated by various

factors depending on the peculiarities of each society, there are proven evidences that

very good number of journalists are not living up to the standard as expected of them,

the consequences of which the duo said had led to the dwindling performance and

credibility crises among media organizations in Nigeria.

The duo attributed the emergence and establishment of various regulatory bodies to the

worrisome state of media practitioners’ negative attitudes during the process of carrying

out their day to day activities so as to curb or reduce to the barest minimum the

excesses of media practitioners through the introduction of various professional code of

ethics which media practitioners still do not adhere to.

Research findings reveal that poor remunerations, media ownership pattern, pressure

and stiff competition in the media industry, poor working condition, ethnic and cultural

factors among other circumstances are some of the factors that influences unethical

behavior among journalists. This study utilizes survey research method with the use of

questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The result however cannot be said to

be holistic as no interview was conducted so as to obtain a more robust finding.

As against the use of only one research method as the case is in the work of Santas and

Ezekiel, this present study utilizes both survey and in-depth interview and also employs

the use questionnaire and interview guild respectively as the instrument of data

collection as the officer of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in charge of

Bauchi State is included in the study population. This doubtlessly got NBC involved in

the research study and avails the commission the opportunity of sharing in details their

29
effort in ensuring the strict adherence to media code by players in the media industry.

A Broadcast station is an organization engaged in disseminating information to the

generalpublic through sounds, images or both electronically using electromagnetic

spectrum or other medium of mass communication. Broadcasting plays a vital role in

socio-economic, political and cultural needs of any nation. In a pluralized country like

Nigeria with political, ethnic and religious diversity, through broadcasting the state of

the nation among others are projected,therefore, Nigeria like other countries of the

world has to put mechanisms in place to filter what is projected to the entire world and

also protect the media industry as no organization can succeed without a code of ethics,

and the broadcast media are no exception. Asak and Obiageli (2023), define code as "a

system of moral principles governing the appropriate conducts of a person, a group or

organization. It includes many components such as: behaviour, moral, honesty, truth,

good, etcEmakpore (2020) sees code “as a set of moral principles accepted by society

or a group of people”. In line with this general definition of the Code Saidu (2022),

describes the Nigeria broadcasting code as a by-law for internal governance of the

broadcast industry. She asserts that "the broadcasting code defines the rights, ethics and

objectives to be adhered to by every broadcast operator in Nigeria". This means that the

practice of broadcasting in a deregulated environment like ours must ensure that the

profession performs in accordance with formal code or standards of ethical behaviuor''.

The aim therefore, is to aid practitioners in moral reasoning.

The Nigeria broadcasting code is in line with section 2(1) (b) of the National

Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act No. 38 of1992 that gave the commission the

responsibility to fashion out a set of rules and regulations to govern broadcasting in

Nigeria. It is expected that the broadcasting code will help in effective co-ordination

and regulation of the broadcast industry, set general guidelines and formulate policies

30
that will guide the operations of all broadcast organizations in Nigeria. This is to ensure

that the broadcasting sector is well coordinated, professionally disciplined, and

ultimately vibrant to meet the needs and aspirations of Nigerians. Broadcasting Code

2004 (5th ed.) states: ''The Commission shall impose sanctions for any breach arising

from monitoring and all complaints received on the content of a broadcast or conduct of

a broadcast station''.

In consonance with section 2(1) (n) of the NBC Act (Cap No.11), laws of the

Federation of Nigeria 2004 which provides that: The Commission shall have the

responsibility of determining and applying sanctions including revocation of licenses of

defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast Code and in

the public interest. While section 21 of the Act states that, "any station which

contravenes the provisions of the commission shall be liable to the sanctions prescribed

in the code''

Enforcement of code is indispensable in the practice of journalism because it instills in

the journalist a continuing sensitivity to his every day actions and his decisions; it

integrates or blends with his total search for truth and it gives him greater awareness of

himself, of others and of the consequences of interpersonal relations (Merrill and

Lowenstein,1979)."The purpose of ethical code in media practice is to equip the

practitioners to be morally upright in their professional practice".

It is important to note that rules and regulations are imposed to maintain order in

organization, for this reason, every staff is obligated to follow all the rules that subsist

around them. Despite the fact that there are spelt out codes by NBC for professionals,

there have been outcries that these professionals have failed to live up to the standards

as stipulated by the National Broadcasting Commission.

31
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter dealt with the procedures which will be used in carrying out this study. It

gives details of the research design, population of study, sample size, sampling

techniques, data collection procedures and the final data analysis techniques that will be

applied. It gives the framework within which data will be collected and analysed.

3.2 Research Design

The study will adopt survey research design. According to Leary (2020), the design is

appropriate in eliciting opinion, attitudes, or felling among respondents. The instrument

used for collection will be questionnaire.

3.3 Population of the Study

The target population for this study comprised all relevant staff of the selected

broadcast stations in Bauchi state, from where a representative sample was drawn. The

population of this study, therefore, is 243 (Two hundred and forty -three) comprising all

relevant staff that will be drawn from the selected stations. A breakdown of the figures

showed in the table below:

Table 1:Population Distribution Table

S/N Radio stations/ NBC Population

1 National Broadcasting Commission(NBC) 45

2 Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) 61

3 B.A TVBauchi 35

4 Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) 32

5 Globe F.M Bauchi 42

6 Albarka Radio Bauchi 28

32
 Total 243

Source: Head of the respective organizations, 2024

3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques

The sample size will represents the potion of relevant staff of the selected broadcast

stations in Bauchi state by taking small portion from the population as representative

of whole who are in various location to whom the questionnaire will be administered

to, so as to ensure valid conclusion about the topic, therefore one hundred and fifty one

(151) will be selected for the study which was determined using Yamane formula: n=

N
2 where n is the sample size, N is the population (243), 1 is constant and e is
1+ N (e)

error margin, significant level that is usually 5% or rarely 1% Therefore: n=

243 , 243 243 243 243

2 = 2= = = =151.
1+ 243(5 %) 1+ 243(0.05) 1+ 243(0.0025) 1+ 0.6075 1,6075

The sampling method for this study will be purposive Sampling technique. The method

will be chosen so as to enable the researcher choose only those who are the focus of this

study.

3.5 Instruments of Data Collection

Questionnaire and interview guide were the two instruments to be used for data

gathering in this study. Ranjit (2021) describes questionnaire as a written list of

questions, to which respondents are expected to provide answers in a written form.

Karim (2023) defines questionnaire as “a data collection instrument consistent of a

series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from

respondents.”While questionnaire was used in eliciting response from the broadcast

journalists in the state, the interview guide will be employed in taking the responses of

the state officer of the National Broadcasting Commission overseeing Bauchi State.

3.6 Validity of the Instruments

33
This study used content validity to ensure that the instrument is actually measuring

what it intended to measure (the construct), and no other variables. This achieved by

using a panel of experts familiar with the construct. The experts (researcher’s

supervisor) will examine the items and what that specific item intended to measure. The

researcher’s colleagues will involve obtaining feedback from other expert from

department of mass communication Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.

3.7 Reliability of the instrument

The researcher will use expert knowledge, criticism and advice to adjust the instrument

accordingly. In addition, the researcher will use internal consistency to evaluate the

degree to which different test items that probe the same construct produce similar

results. This will be achieved using Cronbach’salpha. if the Cronbach’s alpha values

are a ≥0.70, the instrument is reliable, otherwise it is not.

3.8 Method of Data Collection

The researcher with help of research assistant will distribute the questionnaires to the

target respondents. and facilitated key informant interview session.

3.9 Method of Data Analysis

Content analysis data will be analyzed quantitatively, while survey data will be

analyzed using SPSS V28 for the descriptive and inferential statistics. The

demographics and research questions of the respondents will be analyzed with the aid

of tables and bar charts

34
 QUESTIONNAIRE

Department of Mass Communication,

National Open University of Nigeria,

Bauchi Study center.

Date:

………………………………….
………………………………….
………………………………….
Dear Respondents,

REQUEST FOR COMPLETION OF RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE

I am postgraduate student of the above-named University carrying out a research project on

the topic: ROLE OF NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMMISSION (NBC) IN

ENHANCING JOURNALISM ETHICS AMONG BROADCAST STATIONS IN

BAUCHI STATE.

You are pleased requested to respond to the attached questionnaire instrument. Any

information supplied is for academic purpose only and will be treated as confidential please.

Yours sincerely,

ADAMU UMMUL-KHAIRI
08036632095

Section A: Demographic Information

Please Tick as Appropriate
1 Gender Male { }

Female { }
2 Age 20-25 { }
26-30 { }
31-35
36andabove { }

3 Highest Educational WASC/SSCE/NECO { }

Qualification NationalDiploma { }
HND, BAorB.sc { }
Master'andabove { }
4 Marital Status Single { }
Married { }

35
 Divorced { }

5 Respondents’ Work Televisionstation { }

place Radiostation { }

6 Respondents’ Media Government { }

Ownership Private { }
7 Respondents’ Length 0-5yrs { }
of services 6-10yrs { }
11-15yrs { }
16-20yrs { }
21yrs andabove { }
Section A: Conceptual Measures
Please Tick as Appropriate
Yes No
8. Are you acquainted with the Nigerian { } { }
Broadcasting Code
9 Do you understand the content of the { } { }
Nigerian Broadcasting Code
10 Are you in agreement with all the { } { }
tenets of the Code
11 If no, please specify the aspect of the code you are not in agreement with
Noresponse { }
Permissionofillegaladvert { }
Privateownership { }
Restrictionon freedom of { }
Speech
Exorbitant Fine { }
12 How often do you adhere to the VeryOften Often Never
dictates of the Broadcasting Code { } { } { }

13 To what extent would you rate your Highextent Low extent Undecided
level of adherence to the approved { } { } { }
Broadcasting Code

14 To what extent has your adherence to { } { } { }

the Broadcasting code improved your
broadcasting performance
15 To what extent do you think NBC’s { } { } { }
regulation of the broadcast industry is
of benefit to you
16 Do you agree that broadcast Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly
journalists are adequately supervised Agree Disagree
by the National Broadcasting { } { } { } { }
Commission

17 If agree, please state any punitive measure you can remember to have been instituted by
the National Broadcasting Commission against broadcast journalist(s) in Bauchi State
over the years?

36
 Enactmentoffinancialfineon { }
maintainingrules
MereSanctions { }
Closingdownofstationswhen { }
breachingcodes
Ican’tremember { }
EffectiveMonitoring { }
Noresponse { }
18 Frequency summary on statements Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly
regarding broadcast journalists Agree Disagree
contravene the code because adequate { } { } { } { }
sanctions have not been enforced by
NBC

19 Do you agree that there are still Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly
avenues by which the performance of Agree Disagree
broadcasters in the industry could be { } { } { } { }
improved by the NBC
20 If agree, please specify some of these avenues
Training of Broadcasters { }
Impartiality { }

Monitoring { }

Proper Sanctioning { }

No response { }

INTERVIEW GUIDE

1. To what extent do broadcast journalists adhere to the media code approved by NBC?

This question seeks to know the extent at which broadcast journalists in Bauchi State

give adherence to the code as approved by NBC.

2. To what extent has adherence to NBC's media code affected the operations of

broadcast journalists in Bauchi State?This research question seeks to know if

adherence of journalists to the broadcast code has been of any effect to broadcast

operations in the State.

37
3. To what extent has NBC been playing its roles in enforcing media ethics among

broadcast journalists in Bauchi State?

38
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